The Pecan Man

By: Cassie Dandridge Selleck

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

The Pecan Man is a beautiful work of Southern fiction whose first chapter was the first-place winner of the 2006 CNW/FFWA Florida State Writing Competition in the unpublished novel category.

In the summer of 1976, recently widowed and childless, Ora Lee Beckworth hires a homeless old black man to mow her lawn. The neighborhood children call him the Pee-can Man; their mothers call them inside whenever he appears. When the police chief's son is found stabbed to death near his camp, the man Ora knows as Eddie is arrested and charged with murder. Twenty-five years later, Ora sets out to tell the truth about the Pecan Man. In narrating her story, Ora discovers more about herself than she could ever have imagined. This novel has been described as To Kill a Mockingbird meets The Help.

©2012 Cassie Dandridge Selleck (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Fast easy read with heart

This book was a quick read, but it's story was far reaching. The characters are flawed but lovable, doing what they believe is right in the face of a series of tragic events. Even so, there is joy and love and even a bit of humor throughout the book to keep the heaviness of the events balanced with some smiles. In the end, this book is about the family we make for our selves and the lengths we would go to ease their pain. A lovely, heartbreaking in parts, charming in others, tale by a spirited and sassy old southern lady.

A bittersweet story,

The subject matter and story line was sad and at times emotional for me to read. I think the overall story was well written and crafted well but I'm not comfortable with the outcome. I don't want to spoil anything for the readers or listeners out there but I'm left feeling sorrowful. I know the main character was flawed but did she receive her just do? Regarding the narrator, I don't think she always did a good job characterizing the young African-American girls. I would have directed her oral interpretation differently.

Awesome story!

Beautifully written. Love the southern flare. A true look into race relations past and present.

A Good Read

A good illustration about life, especially in the civil rights Era south. The narrator did an excellent job "performing" the characters.

Wrong ttitle

I truly loved this story, but it was more about the lady and Blanche's family. Eddy (The Pecan Man) had just a small part in it. It was a wonderful story of family and friends.

I enjoyed this as much as Angela's Ashes!

I recently listened to Angela's Ashes and was looking for another like it. Being from East Texas, the reader's voice and expressions remind me of kinfolks. I think readers of The Help will also enjoy it.

Pause and self reflect

The story can seem shocking based on how/when and where you were raised. As important is trying to understand what truly selfless behavior is.

Enjoyable read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, It is a quick book with great character development.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend the book and glad I listened to it, but not a classic.

Enjoyed every minute

I think Ora was a strong female character, why they kept saying she had flaws was beyond me. She stuck up for Blanche's family and loved Them like her own. Maybe things could have gone better, but that was not always her fault. And the truth at the end about the Pecan man shocked even me. Wasn't expecting that, no wonder he did time without complaint. Wished this book could have lasted longer, loved it, you could just imagine yourself on that front porch with Ora and Blanche. Great book.

liked it a lot!

really enjoyed this story it was easy to follow and get lost in the story